Etanol anidro por pervaporação: Análise comparativa com processos convencionais

Abstract

Ethanol, known as ethyl alcohol, is a liquid of varying concentrations that contains water and other chemical components in its composition. Used primarily as automotive fuel in Brazil, its hydrated form has limitations regarding its application. Processes that demand high purity levels require that the ethanol be free of impurities and other chemical agents. To increase the purity level and produce anhydrous ethanol, processes such as azeotropic distillation, extractive distillation and molecular sieves are used. High energy consumption, use of chemical agents and materials that are harmful to the environment and human health, condition the search for new alternatives in ethanol purification. In this context, this work aims to review these processes and compare them with pervaporation membranes in obtaining anhydrous ethanol. Through data analysis and discussion of case studies, the results indicated that pervaporation has lower energy consumption, produces anhydrous ethanol with high levels of purity and eliminates the use of toxic chemical agents, providing a safer and more sustainable operation. It is concluded that pervaporation is a viable technology and makes it possible to make anhydrous ethanol more competitive in the world market and reduce dependence on fossil fuels.